Systems and methods for 3d stereoscopic angiovision, angionavigation and angiotherapeutics

ABSTRACT

Devices, systems, and methods for catheterization through angionavigation, cardionavigation, or brain navigation to diagnose or treat diseased areas through direct imaging using tracking, such as radiofrequency, infrared, or ultrasound tracking, of the catheter through the patient&#39;s vascular anatomy. A steerable catheter with six degrees of freedom having at least a camera and fiber optic bundle, and one or more active or passive electromagnetic tracking sensors located on the catheter is guided through the vascular system under direct imaging. The direct imaging can be assisted with at least one of MRA imaging, CT angiography imaging, or 3DRA imaging as the roadmap acquired prior to or during 3D stereoangiovision. The system comprises RF transceivers to provide positioning information from the sensors, a processor executing navigation software to fuse the tracking information from the tracking sensors with the imaging roadmap, and a display to display the location of the catheter on the roadmap.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/509,284 filed on Jul. 11, 2019, entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR 3DSTEREOSCOPIC ANGIOVISION, ANGIONAVIGATION AND ANGIOTHERAPEUTICS, whichis a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/399,704 filedon Feb. 17, 2012 and entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR 3D STEREOSCOPICANGIOVISION, ANGIONAVIGATION AND ANGIOTHERAPEUTICS, which applicationclaims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/444,665 filed on Feb. 18, 2011 andentitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR 3D STEREOSCOPIC ANGIOVISION,ANGIONAVIGATION AND ANGIOTHERAPEUTICS, the entireties of which arehereby incorporated herein by reference to be considered a part of thisspecification.

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter procedures are rapidly replacing surgical procedures, suchas coronary interventions for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG),intravascular repair and stenting for vascular surgery, and catheterablation of complex arrhythmias for arrhythmia surgery. Typicallytranscatheter approaches are done under fluoroscopy which uses ionizingradiation. Radiation exposure is of concern to the public and medicalcommunity. Medical imaging is a significant cause of manmade radiationexposure, hence many guidelines and appropriateness use of thisprocedure and imaging technology has been developed.

Medical treatment of patients with cardiovascular disease such asatherosclerosis, cardiac arrhythmias, aneurysms, often includes amedical professional performing angiography. Angiography comprisesobtaining x-ray fluoroscopic imaging that involves guiding a catheterthrough femoral or carotid arteries (brain vascular interventions) withx-ray fluoroscopic image guidance, and frequent injection of iodinatedcontrast agent to visualize internal anatomy of the vasculature toevaluate blood flow, constrictions, or blockage, and plan an appropriatetreatment. Traditional systems and methods for angiography can exposethe patient, the angiography suite staff, and the physicians tosignificant doses of ionizing radiation.

X-ray angiography is considered the industry's typical imaging standardfor the evaluation of cardiovascular anatomy within the body. Theangiography procedure requires insertion of a catheter with guide wiresthrough an artery or vein with frequent injection of contrast media, anduse of x-ray fluoroscopy to guide the catheter to the area of interest.The x-ray angiography provides high resolution imaging showingvasculature anatomical details, left ventricular ejection fraction, andcardiac output. However, x-ray angiography still requires fluoroscopy,and can expose the patient, the angiography suite staff, and thephysicians to significant doses of ionizing radiation.

Other methods, such as magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), computedtomography angiography (CTA), and 3D rotational angiography (3DRA) withcontrast medium, are used to delineate the cardio-vascular system. WhileMRA has the advantage of using non-ionizing radio frequency (RF) energy,it does not provide by itself real-time guidance within the vasculature.CTA and 3DRA use ionizing radiation and an iodinated contrast agent,which again can expose the patient, the angiography suite staff, and thephysicians to significant doses of ionizing radiation.

These methods have the risk of exposing patients and hospital personnelto ionizing radiation. The risk is substantial. There are risks of skinerythema, skin necrosis, malignancy, genetic abnormalities, and adversereactions to iodinated contrast media including kidney shut down anddeath. Further, from the interventional cardiologist's perspective,fluoroscopy systems can also be problematic because the system is bulkyand limits intra operative flexibility as well as free movement ofangiography instruments.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia of manyetiologies. According to reports, there are about six to seven millionAmericans suffering from AF and it is predicted that by 2050 AFprevalence may reach 15 to 16 million. Approximately 35% ofhospitalizations due to arrhythmias are from AF. AF costs Medicare morethan 15.7 billion dollars annually.

Stroke is one of the most significant and devastating burdens of AF.Stroke affects 800,000 Americans annually—almost one every fortyseconds. Stroke is the third leading cause of death and the number onecause of disability. Eighty-seven per cent of strokes are ischemic,i.e., embolic, and the most common source is related by far by AF.

Anti-arrhythmic drugs are used in 90% of cases. However the success rateof these medications is less than 50%. More recent trials revealednegative outcomes of anti-arrhythmic therapy. Two of the most recenttrials were prematurely terminated due to adverse effects of these drugs(Pallas; N Engl J Med 2011; 365:2268-2276, and Alphee trial; Kowey PR.Circulation; 2011; doi: 10. 1161/CIRCULATIONAHA. 111.072561).

Transcatheter ablation of AF is increasingly used to “cure thearrhythmia”. The procedure typically requires multiple catheterinsertions and the use of radio frequency currents. High intensityfocused ultrasound or cryoablation using a balloon are alternates havingless success. The success rate of paroxysmal AF ablation with lowco-morbidity is about 70-80%. In patients with advanced heart diseasesuch as heart failure and persistent AF, the acute success rate of AFablation is about 50-60% with a high recurrence rate at one year.

AF ablation using RF typically requires multiple site burns and istypically a lengthy procedure with high radiation exposure. A mainreason for the low success rate is the anatomical complexity of thearrhythmogenic substrate and reconnection of isolated pulmonary veins tothe left atrium. AF is an evolving disease and a moving target byitself. Successful AF ablation can depend on completely ablating targettissue without any gaps. The gaps are usually the cause of reconnectionand recurrence of AF.

Ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VT) are another arrhythmia that oftencauses syncope (loss of consciousness) and cardiac arrest. It isestimated that about 350,000 to 450,000 cases of sudden cardiac deathsoccur annually in the U.S. The majority of these cases are due to VT andventricular fibrillation. So far the only effective method to abort andor prevent sudden cardiac death is implantation of cardioverterdefibrillator devices known as ICD's. This procedure is costly anddesigned to terminate arrhythmias when it occurs. It does not howeverprevent nor cure as it does not eliminate or modify the arrhythmogenicsubstrate.

Traditional ablation catheters and electrodes have been used fortranscatheter ablation of endocardial and/or epicardial arrhythmogenictissue to treat VT. Traditional ablation catheters in these areas of theheart have limited success and a high recurrence rate. The possiblecause of this is related to the complexity of the arrhythmogenicsubstrate and the mechanism of arrhythmia itself. Traditional ablationcatheters and electrodes do not identify the characteristics of thearrhythmogenic substrate via direct visualization and monitoring whileablating, nor do they ablate uniformly without possible gaps.

SUMMARY

In certain embodiments, systems and methods for a universal angiovisiontechnique are disclosed. The universal angiovision technique isminimally invasive with high precision and can be used in most anatomicsites to image or intervene, such as stent placement, ventricular shuntevaluations, image guided cytotoxic drug delivery into tumors throughtheir afferent arteries or radioactive seed implants directly intotumors. Further, the technique can be used in radiofrequency or laserablation of tumors such as hepatomas, and cryogenic treatment of tumorssuch as prostate tumors. In an embodiment, the technique permits imageguided intervention in the heart, such as RF or laser ablation ofarrhythmogenic regions, and angioplasty in many areas of the body. Theorgans that angionavigation can be used to treat or image, include, butare not limited to, the liver, lungs, kidneys, pelvis, pancreas, pleura,brain, esophagus, stomach, small bowl, colon and rectum. In anembodiment, the technique does not use ionizing radiation for imaging orinterventions.

In an embodiment, angionavigation and angiovision techniques providemany advantages over x-ray angiography systems. The extent of thearterial plaques and the blood flow are directly visible to thephysician, and does not have to be inferred from iodinated contrastagent flow studies under a fluoroscope. Without the contrast agentblocked arteries can look normal, while direct visualization or infraredtechnology can identify the type of plaques with or withoutcalcifications. The technique can be faster as there is no need for thestaff to clear the room to take x-rays and inject the patient withcontrast agent. This may make anesthesia time significantly shorter foran angionavigation system.

Systems and methods of transcatheter imaging and intervention aredescribed that require reduced, minimal, or no radiation exposure.Furthermore, techniques that precisely identify target sites forintervention of complex intravascular and intra-cardiac therapeutics aredisclosed.

An embodiment relates to devices and methods for angioendoscopy ofcardiovascular systems and therapeutic intervention. In particular, anembodiment relates to devices and methods for catheterization throughangioendoscopy of heart or brain to diagnose or treat diseased areasthrough direct imaging, and radiofrequency or infrared tracking of thecatheter through the patient's vascular and cardiac anatomy.

An embodiment discloses a steerable catheter having 6 degrees of freedomwith a complimentary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) or charged coupleddevice (CCD) camera, preferably operatively connected to at least one10K pixel fiber optics bundle, and at least one active or passive sensorembedded in the catheter. The sensors communicate with anElectromagnetic Tracking System (EMTS). The catheter is guided throughthe vascular system by direct imaging assisted with, for example,magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), acquired prior to angioscopy. Inother embodiments, if MRA is not available or if the patient isclaustrophobic, or allergic to Gadolinium injection, the catheter isguided through the vascular system by direct imaging assisted with, forexample, computed tomography angiography (CTA), or 3D rotationalangiography (3DRA) imaging acquired prior to angioscopy. The CTA and3DRA ionizing radiation dose is significantly less than conventionalangiography.

Another embodiment discloses an ablation catheter that is integratedwith the angiovision catheter to uniformly or non-uniformly generateheat or cryoablation of the arrhythmogenic substrate. A multi-strutelectrode on the ablation catheter may be made of Nitinol alloy withpredefined geometric 3D shape memory that can be opened after insertionintra-arterially or intravenously into the atrium to ablate selectivelythe arrhythmogenic tissues under direct 3D stereovision. In anembodiment, the ablation catheter rotates ablating a three-dimensionalarea. The uniform ablation reduces gaps in the ablation which are oftenthe cause of reconnection and recurrence of AF and other cardiacarrhythmias.

Certain embodiments relate to a method of navigation within bodystructures utilizing non-ionizing and non-iodinated agents. The methodcomprises loading a digital image of a patient into a memory storagedevice. The digital image is acquired without using ionizing andiodating agents and the digital image includes images of at least one IRmarker placed on the patient prior to acquiring the digital image. Themethod further comprises generating stereotactic coordinates in astereotactic coordinate system based at least in part on the location ofthe at least one IR marker and an entry point of a catheter. Thecatheter includes at least one electromagnetic sensor associated with anelectromagnet coordinate system. The method further comprises generatinga rendering of the patient's anatomical structure, where the renderingincludes an indication of the entry point and at least one target,generating a roadmap from the entry point to the target, co-registeringthe electromagnetic and the stereotactic coordinate systems, obtainingpositional information from sensors, and displaying the renderingincluding indications for a position of catheter, target, entry point,and roadmap.

According to a number of embodiments, the disclosure relates to a systemfor navigating within body structures utilizing non-ionizing andnon-iodinated agents. The system comprises computer hardware includingat least one computer processor, and computer-readable storage includingcomputer-readable instructions that, when executed by the computerprocessor, cause the computer hardware to perform operations defined bythe computer-executable instructions. The computer-readable instructionsinclude loading a digital image of a patient into a memory storagedevice. The digital image is acquired without using ionizing andiodinated contrast agents and the digital image includes images of atleast one IR marker placed on the patient prior to acquiring the digitalimage. The method further comprises generating stereotactic coordinatesin a stereotactic coordinate system based at least in part on thelocation of the at least one IR marker and an entry point of a catheter.The catheter includes at least one electromagnetic sensor associatedwith an electromagnet coordinate system. The method further comprisesgenerating a rendering of the patient's anatomical structure, where therendering includes an indication of the entry point and at least onetarget, generating a roadmap from the entry point to the target,co-registering the electromagnetic and the stereotactic coordinatesystems, obtaining positional information from sensors, and displayingthe rendering including indications for a position of catheter, target,entry point, and roadmap. A main advantage of some embodiments of anangionavigation system over the currently approved or investigationaldevices is that it can be completely ionizing radiation free.

For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages,and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is tobe understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achievedin accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, theinvention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves oroptimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein withoutnecessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggestedherein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an angionavigation catheter,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2A is a view along the longitudinal axis of an angionavigationcatheter, according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary roadmap used with an embodiment of anangionavigation catheter, according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary flow chart of navigation software used to locatethe position of the angionavigation catheter on the roadmap, accordingto certain embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates an angionavigation suite, according to certainembodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates a multi-strut ablation catheter, according to certainembodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates an ablation catheter including an ablation electrodeablating heart tissue positioned into the pulmonary vein antrum,according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 8A illustrates an ablation catheter including an electrode usinglaser energy, according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 8B illustrates another embodiment of an ablation electrode.

FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of a method of utilizing anangionavigation system, according to certain embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A general architecture that implements the various features of theinvention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Thedrawings and the associated descriptions are provided to illustrateembodiments of the invention and not to limit the scope of theinvention.

As used herein, the terms proximal and distal refer to a direction or aposition along a longitudinal axis of a catheter or medical instrument.Proximal refers to the end of the catheter or medical instrument closerto the operator, while distal refers to the end of the catheter ormedical instrument closer to the patient. For example, a first point isproximal to a second point if it is closer to the operator end of thecatheter or medical instrument than the second point. The term“anatomically proximal” means closer to the heart and more specificallyto the aortic valve while “anatomically distal” is further from theaortic valve. The measurement term French, abbreviated Fr or F, isdefined as three times the diameter of a device as measured in mm. Thus,a 3 mm diameter catheter is 9 French in diameter.

Today, physicians are using minimally invasive medical/surgicalprocedures that are less traumatic and more cost-effective. Most ofthese newer procedures incorporate small or micropuncture cathetershollow flexible tubes that physicians insert in small incisions in amajor artery, such as the femoral artery in the thigh. The physicianinserts the catheter through the arterial or venous network to thetarget area. Millimeter-size tools can then be guided through the tubeto fix the medical condition. A key advantage of this technique is thatpatients recover in days, not weeks. For example, balloon angioplasty(in which a small balloon is inserted through the catheter and, once atthe end, inflated to open up a blocked artery) is now routinelyconducted on an outpatient basis.

Certain embodiments relate to systems and methods for performing animage-guided angioendoscopy using MRA or CTA imaging, 3DRA, and asteerable catheter system. The steerable catheter system comprises asteerable catheter having six degrees of freedom (6D), a CMOS or CCDcamera and associated high resolution fiber optics bundle, and trackingsensors. The steerable catheter system further comprises at least oneCCD camera and an RF Global Positioning System (GPS) guidance systemutilizing the Electromagnetic Tracking System Principles (EMTS). Twoinfrared cameras are installed in the ceiling to read the stereotacticfiduciary infrared markers placed on the patient. The system preferablycan visually image and inspect the internal structure of arteries,veins, and endocardium or epicardium similar to an endoscopic procedure.The system further measures blood flow without a need for x-rayfluoroscopy and iodinated contrast agent with a high degree of accuracy.This advantageously has minimal patient and hospital personnel adverseeffects from ionizing radiation used in other imaging systems.

A planning MR angiography scan is acquired prior to angionavigation withstereotactic fiduciary markers to produce digitally reconstructed 3Drendering of vascular system. At least one RF tracking sensor embeddedin strategic locations in the catheter sends RF signals at a frequencyhaving a rate of approximately 40 Hz to approximately 50 Hz. In anembodiment, three RF tracking sensors are embedded in the catheter. Thesignals are detected by the in-room GPS system comprising radioreceivers positioned inside the angionavigation room. The GPS systemdetects each individual signal, computes the position of each sensor,and maps their locations using six degrees of freedom (6D) on theplanning MRA 3D rendered image or roadmap. In addition, the 3D videoimages captured via the fiber optic bundle and camera are co-registeredor fused and displayed with the MRA 3D rendered image data set in realtime identifying the target. A monitor, such as a high definitionmonitor, displays the resulting 3D image.

The catheter is guided in the vascular system using the 6D steerablecapabilities. A plurality of measurements, therapies and interventionscan be performed using the image-guided catheter and system. A laserlight is transmitted through the fiber optics bundle with short pulsesto measure the blood flow at different regions before, and afterangioplasty or other interventions using laser Doppler principles.Similarly an ultrasonic transducer can measure blood flow, bloodpressure, and volume. A stenotic region of an artery can be identifiedusing the 3D stereoangiovision and be marked on the MRA. An angioplastyballoon may be inserted to the same position to perform the angioplastyprocedure, and place a stent under direct angioendoscopic visualization,or other interventions as needed.

In certain embodiments, a system for performing angiovision andangionavigation imaging based on principles of 3D stereoscopic imagingis disclosed. There is a growing appreciation that two-dimensionalprojections of 3D scenes, traditionally referred to as “3D computergraphics”, can be insufficient for inspection, navigation, andcomprehension of some types of multivariate data. Without the benefit of3D rendering, even high quality images that have excellent perspectivedepictions still appear unrealistic and flat. For such applicationenvironments, the human depth cues of stereopsis, motion parallax, and(perhaps to a lesser extent) ocular accommodations are increasinglyrecognized as significant and important for facilitating imageunderstanding and realism.

Therefore, in an embodiment, one, two or more fiber optic bundles in thecatheter are each connected to a CMOS camera which takes pictures andtransmits to an image processing computer system. The computer imageprocessor makes the 3D stereoscopic images with depth perceptionpossible that can be displayed on 3D display monitor for theinterventional physician. The technique is extremely valuable indetection, and evaluation of abnormalities such as plaques, size, anddefinitions of tumors, monitoring treatments such as ablation ofarrhythmogenic pulmonary vein antrum, and the like. In addition, 3Dstereoscopic visualization has significant impact in diagnosing,treating, staging, and managing digestive system abnormalities includingtumors, ulcers, of esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum,and the like.

For a more detailed understanding of the invention, reference is firstmade to FIG. 1 . FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an angionavigationcatheter 100, according to an embodiment. The catheter 100 along with aguidance system can be used for improved direct vascular visualization,stent delivery, and other therapeutic interventions without the use ofx-ray fluoroscopy.

The angionavigation catheter 100 comprises axially elongate tubing 102including a plurality of lumen. In an embodiment, the outer diameter ofthe catheter tubing 102 is between approximately 3 mm to approximately 7mm. In another embodiment, the outer diameter of the catheter tubing 102is preferably between approximately 4 mm to approximately 6 mm, and morepreferably is approximately 5 mm or 15 Fr. In other embodiments thediameter is greater than approximately 7 mm. In further embodiments, thediameter is less than approximately 3 mm.

The catheter 100 can further comprise at least one of an ultrasoundtransducer 104, electrograms and pacing sensors 106, an irrigation tube108, at least one high intensity light source 110, at least one fiberoptic bundle 112 operable attached to a camera, and an ablation catheter114. Each component 104, 106, 108, 110 112, 114 is inserted through anappropriately sized lumen of the plurality of lumen within the tubing102, respectively, as is known to one of skill in the art in light ofthis disclosure. The catheter 100 further comprises at least onetracking sensor 116. Further yet, the catheter 100 comprises at leastone guidewire to control the movement of the catheter 100 through thepatient's body as is known to one of skill in the art in light of thisdisclosure. In an embodiment, the catheter utilizes the at least oneguidewire to move the catheter with 6 degrees of freedom(forward/backward, up/down, left/right, pitch, roll, and yaw).Components 104, 106, 108, 110 112, 114 can be added or removed asnecessary. For example, when the catheter 100 is in place, the operatorcan remove the guidewire and insert the ultrasound transducer 104 tomeasure blood flow, the diameter of the arteries, or the like.

In another embodiment, the catheter 100 may not require a guidewire forrigidity but can accommodate one if necessary for positioning.

The ultrasound transducer 104 comprises a miniaturized ultrasoundtransducer to measure blood flow, volume, and pressure and characterizearterial plaques. The ultrasound transducer 104 can measure acombination of pressure and volume (P-V). The electrograms and pacingsensors 106 measure and pace cardiac electrical activity, as is known toone of skill in the art in light of this disclosure. In an embodiment,the catheter 100 combines pressure sensors 104 and electrodes 106 forsimultaneous high fidelity pressure and volume measurements, enablingminimally invasive, continuous, intra-cardiac pressure-volume analysis.In other embodiments, the catheter 100 comprises cryoballoons,laserballoon, RF, high intensity ultrasound, contact force sensing, andbasket electrodes.

In other embodiments, the catheter 100 uses other sensors to acquirepatient information. For example, a condition sensing tag with circuitrymay be embedded in the catheter 100 to detect the blood flow, bloodchemistry, pressure, volume, monitor its environmental condition, andsend back the information continuously to a computer system. In someembodiments, sensors are built into the tip of the catheters 100 tosense pH, motion, pressure, volume, or other parameters.

The irrigation tube 108 provides irrigation fluid to irrigate thecatheter tip, including the camera. The high intensity light source 110provides high intensity light to illuminate the camera's field of view.In an embodiment, the high intensity light source 110 is a krypton lightsource, such as an S3 Krypton series Laser Light by WickedLaser.com, aLED high intensity light source, such as Stryker L9000 or X8000 LEDlight sources by Stryker.com, and the like.

In an embodiment, the fiber optic bundle 112 comprises two highresolution fiber optic bundles of approximately 10,000 pixels each, suchas for example, Fujikura Quartz Fiber Bundle 10K or 15K pixels byFujikura.com, and the like. Each fiber optic bundle attaches to a highresolution camera, such as a CMOS USB2 camera, and the like. An exampleof a high resolution camera is an S-Series Ultra-Compact USB2, 0 Color3MP camera by mightexsystems.com. The camera takes pictures andtransmits to an image processing computer system for display.

The ablation catheter 114 is deployed through the angionavigationcatheter 100 to ablate arrhythmogenic substrate by heat or cryotherapy.In an embodiment, the ablation catheter 114 is a commercially availableablation catheter, such as a Medtronic 5F Marinr® series of RF catheter,and the like.

In another embodiment, the ablation catheter 114 a multi-strut ablationcatheter 114 including a radio frequency (RF) generator which isintegrated with an embodiment of the catheter 100, allowing thephysician to see the tissue while ablating.

In another embodiment, the ablation catheter 114 comprises laser energydelivered via fiber optics with a 45° mirror at the tip of the ablationcatheter 114 to project the energy at 90° relative to the fiber opticbundle into the arrhythmogenic tissues. In an embodiment, the fiberoptic bundle comprises at least 36 optical fibers. In anotherembodiment, the fiber optic bundle comprises more or less than 36optical fibers. In another embodiment, a single optical fiber carriesthe laser energy and projects the laser energy onto a computercontrolled rotating 45-degrees mirror. The rotating mirror projects thelaser energy onto the arrhythmogenic tissue in order to ablate thetissue. For example, the laser energy delivery system of the laserenergy ablation catheter 114 is encased in a balloon and delivered viathe angionavigation catheter 100 at the pulmonary vein antrum. The laserenergy ablation catheter 114 is integrated into the angionavigationcatheter 100 to allow the physician to see the tissue while ablating.

The tracking sensors 116 can be active or passive devices, such as, forexample, RF transmitters, RF ID devices, RF transponders, and the like.Examples are Northern Digital Inc. (NDI) Aurora Mini 6DOF Sensor partno. 610029, NDI Aurora Micro 6DOF sensor Tool part no. 610059, and thelike. The tracking sensors 116 receive from or transmit to RF receivers,RF transceivers, RF transmitter-receivers, or the like. The RFreceivers/transceivers/transmitter-receivers determine the position ofthe sensor 116 in the vasculature using Electromagnetic Tracking SystemPrincipals (EMTS). Preferably, each tracking sensor 116 emits RF pulsesat a different frequency. In an embodiment, the tracking sensors 116transmit RF pulses between approximately 40 Hz to approximately 50 Hz.In other embodiments, the tracking sensors 116 transmit RF pulses belowapproximately 40 Hz or above approximately 50 Hz. In an embodiment,several in-room RF receivers/transceivers/transmitter-receivers detectthe pulses, preferably continuously, and transmit the positionalinformation to a computer system. The computer system computes theposition of each RF markers, preferably in real-time, throughtriangulation. Further, navigational software fuses the positionalinformation with an image of the patient, such as a planning MRA 3Drendered image. A monitor displays the resulting fused image and asurgeon viewing the fused image guides the catheter 100.

In an embodiment, the location of the catheter 100 is known withinapproximately 1 mm to approximately 10 mm, preferably withinapproximately 1 mm to approximately 5 mm, and more preferably withinapproximately 1 mm to approximately 2 mm. In an embodiment, the locationof the catheter 100 is known within approximately 1 degree toapproximately 10 degrees, preferably within approximately 1 degree toapproximately 5 degrees, and more preferably within approximately 1degree.

FIG. 2A is a longitudinal view a portion of the angionavigation catheter100, according to certain embodiments. In an embodiment, the catheter100 comprises more than one tracking sensor 116. In the illustratedembodiment, the catheter 100 comprises three tracking sensors 116.Preferably, the tracking sensors 116 are embedded in the catheter 100 atthe catheter tip, approximately 10 mm from the tip, and approximately 50mm from the tip. In other embodiments, the catheter 100 comprises lessthan 3 or more than 3 tracking sensors 116 and the tracking sensors 116are located at varying distances along the catheter tubing 102. In anembodiment, the catheter tube 102 is approximately 1,000 mm long. Inother embodiment, the tube length is less than or greater thanapproximately 1,000 mm.

FIG. 3 is an example of a contrast-enhanced MR angiography (CEMRA) 300showing images 302, 304 of a body vascular system. In other embodiments,other body images, such as for example, MRA, CTA, 3DRA imaging, and thelike, are taken. The image 302, 304 becomes a roadmap for directvisualization with the angionavigation catheter 100. Navigation softwareplots the location of the catheter 100 on the roadmap 300 using thepositional information from the sensors 116.

In an embodiment, patients can obtain their pre-procedure MRA or otherroadmap image prior to admission. When the patient obtains the MRA orother roadmap image prior to surgery, the room used for the surgery andthe direct visualization with the catheter 100 can be a room without anx-ray angiographic system, and thus, no damaging ionizing radiation.Without an x-ray angiographic system in the room, the surgeon hasgreater surgical flexibility than the current system in use. In otherembodiments, the roadmap imaging occurs at the same time as the use ofthe catheter 100.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary flow chart of navigation software 400 used todisplay the location of tip of the angionavigation catheter 100 on theroadmap 300. An embodiment provides image guidance by fusing the roadmapMRA or CTA images, for example, with the EMTS positioning stereotacticcoordinate information to display the tip of the angionavigationcatheter 100 on the roadmap. An interventional physician, for example,guides the catheter 100 using the roadmap displayed on the monitor alongwith the optical image of the internal structure. In an embodiment, thesoftware will display a step by step navigation of the body'scirculatory system, similar to the way a GPS displays navigationalinformation to the driver of a car. In an embodiment, the guidancesystem can be programmed to be operated by a computer or a robot underthe supervision of a physician.

Beginning at block 402, the process 400 optionally prepares volumerendered 3D images of the MRA acquired prior to surgery. Block 402, inan embodiment, can be software purchased from an outside source, such asVital Images, BrainLab AG, or the like. In an embodiment, the process400 uses the volume rendered 3D image of the patient's MRA as theroadmap image 300. In another embodiment, the process 400 does notprepare the volume rendered 3D images of the MRA and uses the MRA orother image acquired prior to the angionavigation procedure as theroadmap image 300.

At block 404, the process 400 establishes a stereotactic coordinatesystem. The patient's MRA image is taken with external infrared markerson the patient skin. The external infrared markers create registrationlocations on the stereotactic coordinate system, the origin of which isdefined as the point of entry of the catheter 100. In other embodiments,the origin can be defined at other points on the patient's body. In anembodiment, an origin is defined in the Cartesian coordinate system ofthe stereotactic space generated by localization of the infrared markersusing commercial available software, such as software from BrainLab AG.

The origin is defined as (0,0,0,0,0,0) representing the longitudinal,lateral, anterior-posterior, pitch, roll, and yaw location of the 6Dsteerable catheter 100. The tip of the catheter as is entered into, forexample, the left femoral artery, before being snaked in will bemanually marked on the navigation software 400 to merge the tip of thecatheter position as a function of the stereotactic space coordinatesystem. As the catheter 100 is snaked into the patient, the 6Dcoordinates of the catheter tip will be non-zero as the catheter 100moves away from the origin.

At block 406, the process 400 receives the position of the catheter tip.The tracking sensors 116 send signals to in-room RF receivers, which inan embodiment, triangulate the signals. The in-room RF receivers sendthe positional coordinate information of the catheter tip which isindependent of the stereotactic coordinate system established by theinfrared markers during the MRA.

At block 408, the process 400 registers or fuses the two coordinatesystems by setting the origin of the coordinate system used by the RFreceivers to the origin of the stereotactic coordinate systemestablished by the infrared markers. The transmitted positionalinformation of the catheter tip will be merged with the stereotacticspace.

At block 410, the process 400 displays the location of the catheter tipon the roadmap image 300. In an embodiment, the process 400 displays onthe MRA road map 300 an icon representing the catheter tip moving insidethe patient. In an embodiment, the target can be located preferablywithin approximately 1 mm to approximately 2 mm, and withinapproximately 1 degree.

FIG. 5 illustrates an angionavigation suite 500, according to certainembodiments. An angionavigation system comprises the angionavigationcatheter 100 including the tracking sensors 116 and the angionavigationroom 500 to enable the disclosed methodologies. In an embodiment, thesystem can be used without use of an x-ray fluoroscopy system. FIG. 5shows one embodiment of the angionavigation suite 500 including amonitor 502, patient couch system 504, IR cameras 506 associated with atleast one stereotactic fiduciary marker 510 placed on a patient 512, RFreceivers 508, and a host computer 514.

Manufacturers of medical display monitors 502 are NEC and the like. Anexample of the patient couch system 504 is a Couch by MedicalIntelligence, a subsidiary of Elekta. Examples of the IR camera 506 andassociated stereotactic markers 510 are Polaris Spectra and PolarisVicra IR Cameras and IR Fiduciary Markers by NDI Digital, respectively.

In an embodiment, the RF receivers 508 comprise RF receivers, RFtransceivers, RF transmitter-receivers, or the like. The receivers 508receive the positional data from tracking sensors 116, determine theposition of the sensors 116, and interface with the computer 514. Inanother embodiment, the receivers 508 comprise a tracking system, suchas an electromagnetic tracking system.

An example of a tracking system is NDI's Aurora EM Tracking Systemincluding a field generator, sensors such as tracking sensors 116, atleast one sensor interface units, and a system control unit. The fieldgenerator, NDI part nos. Planar FG or Table Top FG, emits a lowintensity varying electromagnetic field. The varying electromagneticfield of the field generator induces small currents in the sensors 116.Sensor interface units, NDI part no. SIU, receive, amplify, and digitizethe electrical signals from the sensors 116. The system control unit,NDI part no. SCU, collects information from the sensor interface units,calculates the position and orientation of each sensor 116, andinterfaces with the host computer 514.

The computer 514 is associated with memory 516 which includes thenavigational modules 400. The computer also interfaces with the monitor502. The computer 514 receives the positional information from thereceivers 508 and fuses the position of the catheter tip onto theroadmap image 300 for display on the monitor 502. The computer 514 andmemory 516 can be located within the suite 500 or outside the suite 500.

The patient 512 is positioned on the movable robotic couch 504 inpreparation for imaging, and intervention. The technique includes usingan imaging procedure, such as, for example, MRA imaging, to visualizethe vasculature system in the roadmap image 300, prior to or during theangionavigation. In one example procedure, a stenotic or narrowed vesselis visualized and identified as a target. The stenotic area isidentified in the planning scan or roadmap image 300 with stereotacticfiduciary markers 510. The catheter 100 is inserted into and guidedthrough the patient's vasculature. The catheter 100 is steerable in sixdegrees of freedom (longitudinal, lateral, anterior-posterior, pitch,roll, and yaw). Internal images are taken by the CMOS camera-fiber opticbundle 112 and fused with digitally reconstructed images of the planningscan 300. At any time, the EMTS sensor 116 embedded in the catheter 100is interrogated with the in-room installed receivers 508 to obtain thesix degrees of freedom positional information of the catheter tip, whichis mapped onto the digitally reconstructed images of the planning scan300. The IR cameras 506 and the fiduciary markers 510 provideregistration information for the images.

FIG. 6 illustrates a multi-strut ablation catheter electrode 600 of theablation catheter 114, according to certain embodiments. The catheterelectrode 600 comprises a plurality of spherical or elliptical struts602 formed around a central hub. The number of struts depends, at leastin part, on the size of the patient's pulmonary vein antrum. In anembodiment, the catheter 114 comprises 8 to 16 struts 602. In otherembodiment, the catheter 114 comprises more than 16 or less than 8struts 602. The struts 602 may be made of a Nitinol alloy, such as withpredefined geometric 3D shape memory that can be opened after insertionintra arterially into the left atrium, and ablate arrhythmogenic areas.

In an embodiment, the catheter 114 is sent in the region of the heartcausing arrhythmia to ablate the region. The angionavigation catheter100 is steered to the arrhythmogenic tissue and the ablation catheter114 may be inserted into the central lumen of the angionavigationcatheter 100 to ablate. The struts 602 are operably connected to an RFgenerator, such as for example, Boston Scientific RF 3000, or the like,through a single wire. Ablation systems delivering RF energy are knownto one of skill in the art.

In an embodiment, the ablation catheter 114 ablates multiple linearpositions simultaneously. In another embodiment, the catheter 114rotates to deliver the ablation energy to a 3 dimensional concave area.The ablation system can be programmed such that the catheter 114 treatspartially or generates non-uniform heat distribution for variousapplications as needed or indicated for the patient. The catheter 114can also ablate uniformly or non-uniformly as needed by cryotherapy asan alternative to heat. In a further embodiment, the catheter 600 can beused to deliver an afterloading radioactive source such as ³²P or ¹⁹²Irradioisotopes to ablate using ionizing radiation instead of heat orcryotherapy.

FIG. 7 illustrates the ablation catheter 114 including an embodiment ofthe ablation electrode 600 ablating heart tissue 700. In an embodiment,an ablation method comprises navigating the angionavigation catheter 100to the location of the tissue to be ablated using the display monitor502 displaying the icon representing the catheter tip on the roadmapimage 300, as described above. The ablation catheter 114 is deployedfrom one of the lumen in the catheter 100. RF energy is applied to thecatheter electrode 600 to ablate the tissue.

FIG. 8A illustrates an ablation catheter 800 and a laser energy deliverysystem 802, according to certain embodiments. Ablation using laserenergy is advantageously faster than ablation using RF energy. Theablation catheter 800 and laser energy delivery system 802 are used inconjunction with the angionavigation catheter 100 to ablatearrhythmogenic tissue. The ablation catheter 800 is deployed through thecentral lumen of the angionavigation catheter 100.

After placement of the catheter 100 under angionavigation, in, forexample, the left pulmonary vein, the laser catheter 800 is deployed.The laser delivery system 802, in an embodiment, is inside a clearballoon 804 with an inflow port 810 for inflow of cold air, water, orthe like, and an outflow port 812 for outflow of warm air, water, or thelike, to constantly keep the left pulmonary vein antrum cool during theablation, and has the function of stopping the blood flow into the leftatrium during the ablation. A laser delivers laser power ofapproximately 4 to approximately 20 watts via fiber optic to anapproximately 45° mirror reflecting on to the left pulmonary veinantrum. The laser energy reflects from the mirror at an approximately90° angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the fiber optic andprojects onto the tissue to be ablated. In an embodiment, the fiberoptic comprises approximately 16 fibers.

FIG. 8B illustrates another embodiment of an ablation electrode 806.According to certain embodiments, the laser energy is delivered to anapproximately 45° rotating mirror via a single fiber that ablates thecircumference of the antrum in seconds.

FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of a method 900 of utilizing anangionavigation system, according to certain embodiments. Beginning atblock 902, the patient 512 is placed onto the couch 504 in theangionavigation suite 500. The IR markers 510 are placed on thepatient's skin and the MRA digital image of the patient 512 is loaded.The MRA is an image taken without ionizing or iodinated agents. In anembodiment, the high resolution MRA is taken previously of the patient.In other embodiments, if MRA is not available, a CTA digital image isused. The CTA ionizing radiation dose is significantly less thanconventional angiography.

At block 904, the computer 514 receives the digital image. The computer514 executing the navigational module 400 generates stereotacticcoordinates based at least in part on the locations of the IR markers510 in the digital image.

At block 906, the location chosen to be the origin of the stereotacticcoordinate system is marked on the MRA image, as well as the target forthe intervention or therapy. In an embodiment, the catheter entry pointis the origin.

At block 908, the method 900 generates a 3D rendering of the anatomicalstructure, such as the cardiovascular system, with the entry and targetpoints marked.

At block 910, the computer 514 executing the navigational module 400generates a roadmap from the point of origin to the target and displaysthe roadmap onto the 3D rendering or roadmap image 300. In anembodiment, the roadmap displays suggested veins and arteries to snakethe catheter 100 through to reach the target tissue.

At block 912, the electromagnetic sensors 116 and the RF receivers 508in the angionavigation suite 500 are calibrated.

At block 914, the user places the catheter 100 at the entry point in thepatient 512 and the electromagnetic coordinate system is zeroed. Thus,the origin of the electromagnetic coordinate system and the origin ofthe stereotactic coordinate system are registered/fused.

At block 916, the user snakes the catheter 100 along the roadmap withinthe roadmap image 300 displayed on the monitor 520. The RF receivers 508interrogate the tracking sensors 116 to obtain positional informationand triangulate the positional information to determine the position ofthe catheter tip. The monitor also displays the catheter tip on theroadmap image 300.

At block 918, through direct visualization of the cardio-vascularsystem, desired anatomical landmarks are entered into a database storedin memory 516. Each anatomical landmark is entered into the computer tomake the position of the catheter 100 relative to the vascular anatomyaccurate with high precision. As the catheter tip comes close to a notedlandmark, the program 400 notifies the user of the distance between thetip and the noted landmark.

At block 920, the landmarks on the MRA image are verified andco-registered with the images on the roadmap image 300. Any deviationsare corrected and reregistered.

At block 922, in an embodiment, the navigational software 400 directsthe user to steer the catheter in a suggest direction in order to moredirectly and efficiently reach the target.

At block 924, the catheter 100 reaches the target. The angiovisionhardware and software display 2D or 3D video images of the target fromthe camera and associated fiber optic bundle(s) 112. In an embodiment,the extent of the vascular plaques or aneurysm may be displayed on acomputer screen via fiber optics and a camera connected via a connector,such as a USB, USB2, or the like, to a laptop computer screen.

At block 926, the user performs desired measurements, such as but notlimited to blood flow rate, temperature, pressure, volume, electrogram,optical spectroscopy of the ablated tissue, and the like, using thesensors, such as but not limited to the ultrasound transducer 104, theelectrogram and pacing sensors 106, and the like.

At block 928, the user performs angiotherapeutics, such as but notlimited to, ablation, angioplasty, insert a stent, dilation, and thelike. In an embodiment, the procedure can be recorded in a laptop orother computer system for instant replay or archived for futureanalysis.

While the systems and methods for angiovision, angionavigation andangiotherapeutics described herein with respect to the cardiac systemand the heart, a skilled artisan will also appreciate in light of thisdisclosure that other embodiments of angiovision, angionavigation andangiotherapeutics can be performed on other systems, muscles, andorgans, including, but not limited to the liver, lungs, kidneys, pelvis,pancreas, pleura, brain, uterus, cervix, spine, esophagus, stomach,small bowl, colon and rectum.

The computer 514 comprises, by way of example, processors, programlogic, or other substrate configurations representing data andinstructions, which operate as described herein. In other embodiments,the processors can comprise controller circuitry, processor circuitry,processors, general-purpose single-chip or multi-chip microprocessors,digital signal processors, embedded microprocessors, microcontrollersand the like. The memory 516 can comprise one or more logical and/orphysical data storage systems for storing data and applications used bythe computer 514. The memory 516 comprises, for example, RAM, ROM,EPROM, EEPROM, and the like.

In one embodiment, the program logic may advantageously be implementedas one or more modules 400. The modules may advantageously be configuredto execute on one or more processors. The modules may comprise, but arenot limited to, any of the following: software or hardware componentssuch as software object-oriented software components, class componentsand task components, processes methods, functions, attributes,procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware,microcode, circuitry, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays,or variables.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of“including, but not limited to.” The words “coupled” or connected”, asgenerally used herein, refer to two or more elements that may be eitherdirectly connected, or connected by way of one or more intermediateelements. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and wordsof similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to thisapplication as a whole and not to any particular portions of thisapplication. Where the context permits, words in the above DetailedDescription using the singular or plural number may also include theplural or singular number respectively. The word “or” in reference to alist of two or more items, that word covers all of the followinginterpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of theitems in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

Moreover, conditional language used herein, such as, among others,“can,” “could,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” “for example,” “such as” and thelike, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understoodwithin the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certainembodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certainfeatures, elements and/or states. Thus, such conditional language is notgenerally intended to imply that features, elements and/or states are inany way required for one or more embodiments or that one or moreembodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or withoutauthor input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/orstates are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

The above detailed description of certain embodiments is not intended tobe exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosedabove. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the inventionare described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalentmodifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as thoseordinary skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, whileprocesses or blocks are presented in a given order, alternativeembodiments may perform routines having steps, or employ systems havingblocks, in a different order, and some processes or blocks may bedeleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/or modified. Each ofthese processes or blocks may be implemented in a variety of differentways. Also, while processes or blocks are at times shown as beingperformed in series, these processes or blocks may instead be performedin parallel, or may be performed at different times.

The teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to othersystems, not necessarily the systems described above. The elements andacts of the various embodiments described above can be combined toprovide further embodiments.

While certain embodiments of the inventions have been described, theseembodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are notintended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel methodsand systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of otherforms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes in theform of the methods and systems described herein may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying claims andtheir equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications aswould fall within the scope and spirit of the inventions.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method to navigate within body structures,comprising: creating a digital image of a patient and at least onemarker placed external to the patient, the digital image including imageinformation obtained from an image of the at least one marker and froman image of a vascular system of the patient that are acquired by animaging system that does not use ionizing radiation or iodinated agents;generating from the digital image a 3D rendering of the vascular systemand a catheter in stereotactic space; and fusing a position associatedwith the catheter onto the 3D rendering.
 2. The method of claim 1wherein the digital image further includes image information from imagesof the at least one marker captured by two cameras that are positionedat different positions with respect to the patient, the method furthercomprising generating stereotactic coordinates in a stereotacticcoordinate system based at least in part on locations of the at leastone marker detected by the imaging system and the two cameras.
 3. Themethod of claim 2 wherein the at least one marker comprises at least oneinfrared marker and each of the two cameras comprises an infraredcamera.
 4. The method of claim 3 wherein the locations of the at leastone marker detected by the imaging system and the two cameras provideregistration information for the stereotactic coordinate system.
 5. Themethod of claim 4 wherein the 3D rendering includes indications of atarget and of an entry point of the catheter, the catheter including atleast one electromagnetic sensor associated with an electromagneticcoordinate system.
 6. The method of claim 5 wherein the position isobtained from a tracking system configured to track the at least oneelectromagnetic sensor, wherein the method further comprisesco-registering the electromagnetic and the stereotactic coordinatesystems.
 7. The method of claim 5 wherein the catheter further includesa fiber optic bundle and a first camera different from the two camerasthat is in communication with the fiber optic bundle.
 8. The method ofclaim 5 further comprising generating a roadmap from the entry point tothe target on the 3D rendering.
 9. The method of claim 8 wherein the 3Drendering includes the roadmap and indications for positions of thecatheter, the entry point, and the target.
 10. The method of claim 9wherein the catheter provides an angioscopic view of the target.
 11. Themethod of claim 6 wherein co-registering the electromagnetic and thestereotactic coordinate systems fuses positional information of the atleast one electromagnetic sensor with the 3D rendering.
 12. The methodof claim 10 wherein the catheter further comprises a cameraoperationally connected to a fiber optic bundle to provide anangioscopic view of tissue during the navigation and therapeuticinterventions.
 13. The method of claim 1 wherein the position associatedwith the catheter comprises longitudinal, lateral, anterior-posterior,pitch, roll, and yaw locations of the catheter.
 14. The method of claim1 further comprising providing the 3D rendering for use in image guidedcytotoxic drug delivery or radioactive seed implants into tumors.
 15. Anionizing radiation-free vascular navigation system comprising: a firstpreoperative imaging system configured to capture a digital image of avascular system of a patient utilizing non-ionizing radiation andnon-iodinated agents; a computer image system in communication with thefirst preoperative imaging system to generate, based on imageinformation from the first preoperative imaging system, a 3D renderingin stereotactic space of the vascular system; and a tracking system incommunication with the computer image system and configured to providelocation information of at least one electromagnetic sensor associatedwith a catheter, the tracking system providing the location informationusing an electromagnetic coordinate system, the computer image systemfurther configured to register the electromagnetic coordinate systemwith the 3D rendering of the vascular system to fuse the locationinformation with the 3D rendering.
 16. The system of claim 15 furthercomprising a second preoperative imaging system comprising at least twocameras, each camera configured to capture an image of at least oneexternal stereotactic fiduciary marker from a different position withrespect to the patient.
 17. The system of claim 16 wherein imagescaptured by the first or second preoperative imaging system of the atleast one external stereotactic fiduciary marker are configured toprovide registration locations for the stereotactic coordinate system.18. The system of claim 17 wherein the computer image system is furtherin communication with the second preoperative imaging system and furtherconfigured to create stereotactic coordinates of the at least oneexternal stereotactic fiduciary marker using the digital image, whereinthe 3D rendering marks a point of entry and a target using astereotactic coordinate system.
 19. The system of claim 18 wherein the3D rendering is used to navigate the catheter from the point of entry tothe target.
 20. The system of claim 15 wherein the first preoperativeimaging system is further configured to capture the digital imageincluding at least one external stereotactic fiduciary marker utilizingthe non-ionizing radiation and the non-iodinated agents.